Copyright 2008, Measure Up Place LLC
I Swear
It was a historic day in America as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president. “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics,” Mr. Obama said during his post-oath speech. Unlike the speech four years ago, in which George W. Bush made a promise to spread democracy throughout the world, now President, Obama called upon Americans for their cooperation, their participation, and their support as he laid out his goals of peace.
The challenges that will face President Obama will not wait for him to get comfortable in the White House. On his first full day in office, Mr. Obama will meet with the architect of an Iraq war policy he once opposed, Gen. David Petraeus, to deliver the orders to begin withdrawing combat troops from Iraq. Then Obama must begin to confront the rough road ahead; with the current Israeli actions in Gaza, Iranian nuclear programs, and a domestic economic crisis (to mention only a few) it is unlikely that Mr. Obama will have any time to reflect on his achievement.
Meanwhile, the world waits with collective fingers crossed. Hoping.
Will Obama have what it takes to bring a nation together to rally through these difficult times?